* Great Local foods to taste from festival favorites to DC’s hottest Food Trucks.

* Wine Pick-Up Service for 2 of more bottles!

* A family friendly setting with kids activities and moon bounces

* Enjoy a Sunday Funday of Sparkling Wine and The Famous Donut Wall for our first 750 guests on Sunday!

TICKET OPTIONSVIP ADMISSION: SATURDAY: $65 - SUNDAY: $50

Includes a souvenir wine glass, plate & bag, unlimited samples of all beverages, $5 Wine Voucher towards any purchase, access to the VIP Experience and all VIP benefits including specialty tastings (served till 3pm) and access to the VIP washrooms. Plus all performances.

When a specular tree gets hit by lightning, many decisions need to be made. The 100-foot tulip poplar just outside the picture window at Hidden Oaks Nature Center suffered two lighting strikes which created an imminent danger to the building. Since this tree was the focal point of the woodland view plus a feeding station for flying squirrels and many species of birds, the loss was keenly felt by humans as well as wildlife neighbors.

Fully equipped recreational center located within Wakefield Park with a 50m x 25yd pool, one 3m and two 1m diving boards, and super slide. The natatorium also contains spectator seating, doors that lead to a spacious outdoor sundeck, and locker rooms containing saunas and showers. In addition to the various racquetball/wallyball and squash courts, the center has a large gymnasium with six basketball hoops, and volleyball nets. The center also contains a cycle studio, a dance room, a pottery lab and kiln, an arts and crafts room, a photography lab, three multi-purpose activity rooms, and a senior center. Over 40 fitness classes each week are offered for all ages.

Wakefield Park has miles of outdoor trails including the Cross County Trail which is utilized by cyclists, runners and nature lovers. There are well lit outdoor basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, baseball & softball diamonds, a newly expanded skate board park, and soccer fields. An extensive summer camp program is held each year along with the Braddock Farmer's Market on Wednesdays during early May to late October from 2-6pm.READ MORE...

Annandale REAL ESTATEYou Can Get There from Here

The one feature that most distinguishes Annandale from the remainder of Northern Virginia is accessibility. I was thinking about this as I typed in an address into the GPS on my phone to show a property. Up popped the map and messages that said that my destination was a mere 22 minutes away with most of it a straight shot out Braddock Road.

Annandale is literally the Crossroad of Northern Virginia TM with quick access to anywhere in Fairfax County (and beyond). Location has always been important to real estate value but it is increasingly more important to the residential lifestyles. As our roads become more congested and commute time continues to creep upward, having a home located in Annandale is a true advantage. Recently Washington was rated the second worst traffic region in the nation...only second to Boston.

You can get to work at the Pentagon using 395 or Columbia Pike. Gallows Road leads to Tysons Corner. Sleepy Hollow sweeps you to Seven Corners. Want to make your way to Arlington Boulevard? Zip-zing you are there from Annandale Road. Jump on Backlick and you are headed quickly to Springfield and beyond. Want to eat in Old Town? Easy-peasy on Little River Turnpike and then Duke Street, with simple access to Landmark and the new planned town center. I could go on. READ MORE

Street Smart InitiativeAims to reduce Rising Number of Pedestrian Fatalities

Fairfax County Police Dept.

Pedestrian and cyclist deaths account for more than 33 percent of all traffic fatalities in the region, mirroring national trends, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. In Fairfax County so far this year, there have been 43 pedestrian crashes, eight pedestrian fatalities and more than 40 pedestrian injuries. In 2018, our county had a total of 174 pedestrian crashes, 16 fatalities and 196 injuries. Since December 2018, there have been three fatalities from hit and run crashes.

Today we joined our local law enforcement and transportation partners at a kickoff event along the Richmond Highway at Lockheed Boulevard to announce the spring campaign of the Street Smart initiative to reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries and deaths. The campaign runs through May 13 concurrent with regionwide increased enforcement of traffic safety laws. We will be monitoring crosswalks and intersections, providing information and when necessary, giving warnings and tickets to drivers and pedestrians who break traffic safety laws. A similar program was initiated a decade ago when pedestrian fatalities shot up.

Working on a Solution

All eight of our district police stations participate in regular pedestrian/driver education and enforcement outreach efforts to remind residents about the importance of pedestrian safety.

Fairfax County has invested more than $300 million in bicycle and bus stop infrastructure projects since 2002. RPedestrian and cyclist deaths account for more than 33 percent of all traffic fatalities in the region, mirroring national trends, according to the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. In Fairfax County so far this year, there have been 43 pedestrian crashes, eight pedestrian fatalities and more than 40 pedestrian injuries. In 2018, our county had a total of 174 pedestrian crashes, 16 fatalities and 196 injuries. Since December 2018, there have been three fatalities from hit and run crashes.

Today we joined our local law enforcement and transportation partners at a kickoff event along the Richmond Highway at Lockheed Boulevard to announce the spring campaign of the Street Smart initiative to reduce pedestrian and cyclist injuries and deaths. The campaign runs through May 13 concurrent with regionwide increased enforcement of traffic safety laws. We will be monitoring crosswalks and intersections, providing information and when necessary, giving warnings and tickets to drivers and pedestrians who break traffic safety laws. A similar program was initiated a decade ago when pedestrian fatalities shot up.

Working on a Solution

All eight of our district police stations participate in regular pedestrian/driver education and enforcement outreach efforts to remind residents about the importance of pedestrian safety.

Fairfax County has invested more than $300 million in bicycle and bus stop infrastructure projects since 2002. READ MORE

Annandale Market Open for the Season

Mason District Park6621 Columbia Pike, Annandale, VA 22003

Thursdays May 2 - November 2, 20198:00 AM to NOONMaster Gardener Plant Clinic on site to answer questions about plants in your landscape.Directions: Beltway (Route 495) exit 52B (Little River Turnpike, Route 236) east 2 miles to left at John Marr Drive and right on Columbia Pike to park entrance on right just before Sleepy Hollow Road. 703-941-1730.

Wakefield Market opens Wednesday, OPEN

Wakefield Park8100 Braddock Road, Springfield, VA 22009Wednesdays April 17 - October 30, 20192:00-6:00 PMMaster Gardener Plant Clinic on site to answer questions about plants in your landscape.Directions: From Beltway (Route 495) exit 54A (Braddock Road) go west 1/4 mile to entrance of park on right. From Burke: East on Braddock Road to left at Queensberry Ave.

Historic Smithfield Plantation is located in Blacksburg, VA on the campus of Virginia Tech more than four hours from Annandale. This is not a tour suggested for your average Sunday afternoon, however, with so many Virginia Tech students, parents, & alumni in Annandale, you may find yourself in Blacksburg with a spare couple of hours...if only you knew about this charming property. I actually have eleven VT alumni in my immediate family and none have ever toured Smithfield. Sometimes the best gems are hidden in plain sight.

During the eighteenth century Augusta County in western Virginia developed rapidly. It included all of the land west of today’s Virginia to the Mississippi River including the future states of Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky, and Illinois. Fincastle, Botetourt, and eventually Montgomery Counties were split from Augusta in the 1770’.

By 1774, Col. William Preston moved his wife and seven children into the Smithfield Plantation House, and added another five children over the years. Mrs. Preston survived to raise her children and even outlived her husband on what became a 1,860 acre estate. This acreage includes most of present day Blacksburg and Virginia Tech.

If you are traveling along Route 81 from Northern Virginia to VA Tech, take a break and visit Fincastle just off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Fincastle was founded in 1772 and named after Lord Fincastle, son of Lord Dunmore, Virginia's last royal governor. Antebellum churches, ancient tree-lined streets, 100 restored homes and a quaint village atmosphere make it a wonderful place to saunter.

A virtual museum of architectural history dating from the late 1770s to the present day, Fincastle was the home of Julia Hancock who married Explorer William Clark in 1808, a year following his Voyage of Discovery. The marriage took place at Santillane, a plantation also known as the Col. George Hancock Mansion. Santillane (ca. 1795) is one of only three residences that are associated with either Clark or Lewis, according to the National Park Service.

The Botetourt County Court House, known to draw visitors from around the country...READ MORE

Fairfax County Executive, Bryan Hill announced that the proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2020 is based on a residential real estate tax rate of $1.15 per $100 of assessed value. Just five years ago that rate was $1.09 per 100 of assessed value.

Property assessments in Annandale have risen an average of 2.68% annually each year for the past three. County wide, 76% of all homeowners will see an increase, and quite certainly all of Annandale. The end result is that elderly home owners on fixed income and low income individuals are all but frozen out of this market. The county's solution to this fact is to allocate more money toward affordable housing. Are we traveling in circles?

The proposed General Fund budget has increased to $4.44 billion, up $161.74 million. This sum does not include substantial federal and state grants. Hill’s report states that the prime real estate markets in Fairfax are now spaces near the Silver Metro Line, which has helped position Tysons, Herndon, and Reston as the financial powerhouses within the county. The designated county revitalization districts (designated as of 1988), of which Annandale is one, have not redeveloped with any notable success or county supported plan. All county attention has been given to metro line areas rather than revitalization districts. No dedicated county personnel have been hired to hard market the revitalization districts, in fact, passing-the-buck from one office to another and back again is the only response ever given.

Each revitalization district has polled their communities to know exactly what retail would be popular but no effort has been made by the county to SELL the revitalization districts to the best developers. Zoning has also been liberalized throughout the county which may have the negative impact of allowing light industrial businesses to open on main streets forever damning the ability of the revitalization districts to develop vibrant downtown communities.

More than a year ago the state legislature passed a bill allowing incentives to be offered to developers who purchase and develop an assemblage of properties within revitalization districts. Each county was left to determine the details of the incentives as would best promote the needs of their county. The FC Board will vote this year on a county staff proposal to be enacted by January 2020 and expire in ten years. Preliminary recommendations include expedited processing of development applications (a stipulated advantage already promised to projects within a CBD but not practiced), a reduction of up to 10 percent in the site plan review fee, and a partial real estate tax abatement to private sector developers who assemble and develop properties consistent with the county’s Comprehensive Plan.

It has been difficult, almost impossible, to attract quality developers to many revitalization zones throughout the Commonwealth...not just Annandale. In our community the sky high cost of property and the task of assembling multiple small lots has stymied developers. These incentives may not be enough, but NO real revitalization of Annandale’s commercial district has taken place in the 30+ years of designation. Instead, cheaply remodeled buildings, and not many of those, have appeared without an ounce of architectural style. Perhaps it is time for the nay-sayers to understand that developers are not the enemy; they may be our salvation. Are you tired of ever escalating property taxes? Thoughtfully planned commercial development will add to the county coffers rescuing homeowners from out-of-control real estate taxes. Do you wish to enjoy new and varied quality retail? That will not happen unless developers are willing to take a risk on Annandale. Let there be no doubt, it is a risk.

FY 2020 budget includes a general fund transfer to Fairfax County Public Schools of $2.35 billion as requested by the School Board. This is 4.11% or $86.46 million, increase over the current FY 2019 school budget. Comparing year to year does not reveal the full picture. EVERY year funding is stretched and increased to the schools until this over-the-top level has been reached. School Debt Service transfer increased by $4.60 million which assumes $180 million in School Bond sales and School Capital Construction at $13.1 million. This represents more than 52.8% of the entire county's revenue. Add to this figure retirement pay and any number of other school related line items listed separately and it is obvious that school related expenses have gone way over-the-top. Unfortunately, increasing school funding to this record high level has not produced any measurable increase in student achievement. READ MORE

Midday Marketing Reception

All Chamber Members & their Guests are invitedThursday, May 23rd from 3-4 PMAt the New Chamber Offices 4127 Meadow Court, Annandale, VA RSVP: by May 21st to info@annandalechamber.com refreshments will be served

This reception offers you an opportunity to meet chamber members and business owners. Lasting only one hour, you can improve your contact list quickly and effectively while distributing your marketing materials to members. Expand your professional address book along with your business base.

View on Nature: Secrets of the Forest

People are more connected to Nature than we imagine. And such is the case for an unrivaled fungus (Fomesfomentarius) from Virginia (and Europe, Asia and Africa) commonly known as the horse hoof or tinder fungus.

This species of “shelf” fungus produces very large, inedible woody fruit bodies which are shaped and colored grey/ brown to almost black like a horse hoof. It infects various species of hardwoods through breaks in the bark and lives up to 30 years on the sides of standing and fallen trees. On standing trees, it’s a parasite; on fallen trunks it becomes a decomposer. At their largest, they measure up to 18 inches across by 10 inches wide by 10 inches thick! READ MORE

There has been a recent push in schools, including Falls Church High School, to encourage students to participate in science, math, engineering, and technology, collectively known as STEM. This raises the question-- how do we define what falls under that broad category of STEM?

Some Falls Church student activities, like the Robotics Club, sum up all the ideals of STEM through the use of engineering, physics, mechanics, and measurement to create a robot. Others are not so obvious, such as the Culinary Arts Academy. They gather many elements of STEM and take them in a new direction.

As vastly different as making pizza and building robots appear to be, they are founded on the same fundamental principles. Every piece of pizza or slice of shepherd’s pie is a summation of chemistry and biology that the cooks manipulate in order to create delicacies. This is much like the Robotics Club, which harnesses mechanical energy using metal and wires to engineer and build something creative that can whizz around the room and show off for judges and onlookers. In both programs, students are charged with the task of envisioning how they want their creations to look and using science, math and creativity to construct it. But the materials and ingredients students can use are limited.

Earth Day (April 22) will be here before you know it and Virginia Energy Sense (VES) wants to make sure all Virginians are well-equipped to protect the environment by saving energy! As the Commonwealth’s energy education program, our mission is to help Virginians understand how they can lower their energy use and save money.

To get a better understanding of what drives people to reduce their energy consumption, we recently conducted survey research across Virginia that yielded promising results. Most respondents said that saving electricity at home is the most important way to reduce their environmental footprint. Popular methods of cutting energy use include using LED lightbulbs and properly adjusting the temperature at home. READ MORE

What Great Grandma Knew IVDinner Giving, the Laying of the Table & the Treatment of Guests

In giving "dinners," the apparently trifling details are of great importance when taken as a whole. There are certain established laws by which "dinner giving" is regulated in polite society; and it may not be amiss to give a few observances in relation to them.

One of the first is that an invited guest should arrive at the house of his host at least a quarter of an hour before the time appointed for dinner. In laying the table for dinner, all the linen should be spotless white throughout, and underneath the linen tablecloth should be spread one of thick cotton-flannel or baize, which gives the linen a heavier and finer appearance, also deadening the sound of moving dishes. Large and neatly folded napkins (ironed without starch), with pieces of bread three or four inches long, placed between the folds, but not to completely conceal it, are laid on each plate. An ornamental centerpiece is put in the center of the table, in place of the large table-castor, which has gone into disuse, and is rarely seen now on well-appointed tables. A few choice flowers make a charming variety in the appearance of even the most simply laid table, and a pleasing variety at table is quite as essential to the enjoyment of the repast as is a good choice of dishes, for the eye in fact should be gratified as much as the palate.

All dishes should be arranged in harmony with the decorations of the flowers, such as covers, relishes, confectionery, and small sweets. Garnishing of dishes has also a great deal to do with the appearance of a dinner-table, each dish garnished sufficiently to be in good taste without looking absurd. Beside each plate should be laid as many knives, forks and spoons as will be required for the several courses, unless the hostess prefers to have them brought on with each change. A glass of water, and when wine is served glasses for it, and individual salt-cellars may be placed at every plate. Water-bottles are now much in vogue with corresponding tumblers to cover them; these, accompanied with dishes of broken ice, may be arranged in suitable places. READ MORE

Register for Annandale Summer CampsFun, Fun and More Fun Close to Home

At Kenwood Summer Day Camp the children not only go on exciting trips everyday but also have a wide variety of activities to keep them entertained while they are at camp. When the campers arrive in the morning they are greeted by our friendly camp counselors and immediately go join their friends on our large, wooded playground. Our playground equipment is top notch but you will likely say goodbye to your child as they are running to join the basketball or kickball game in progress on the blacktop. As the day warms up the campers go in groups to one of our 5 themed rooms to cool off and play.

Game Room - board games, aieveryday but also have a wide variety of activities to keep them entertained while they are at camp. When the campers arrive in the morning they are greeted by our friendly camp counselors and immediately go join their friends on our large, wooded playground. Our playground equipment is top notch but you will likely say goodbye to your child as they are running to join the basketball or kickball game in progress on the blacktop. As the day warms up the campers go in groups to one of our 5 themed rooms to cool off and play.

Video Game Room - jam packed with televisions with playstations and lots of games to choose from

Gym - basketball, volleyball, or relay races are played in a nice, air conditioned environment

The campers can also participate in camp-wide games such as flag football, outdoor laser tag, capture the flag, and karaoke contests. In the afternoons free sports clinics are held in a variety of sports from baseball to football and soccer in our open meadow or gym.

Artisans United, Inc., which officially began in 1988, is a non-profit organization serving as a network of and for artists. Currently comprised of members of various Guilds and independent local artists and crafts-people, its primary purpose is to preserve, promote, and develop the disciplines of visual arts and crafts. The organization provides an intellectual and creative forum for the exchange of ideas, experiences, and materials among its members. Opportunities for growth and development are provided in a climate of mutual respect for the different disciplines with encouragement given to all members.

Artisans United, Inc. is tasked with taking arts out into the community. To fulfill this mission, we have participated in craft demonstrations, classes, talks, and exhibits both at the Gallery and in schools, hospitals, nursing homes, and libraries. In addition, we have taken part in the Annandale Fall Festival and have worked with the Cub Scouts and the Lifetime Learning Institute (which is connected with the Northern Virginia Community College). And, we also promote a ‘Christmas in July’ event, inviting the public to join us in making holiday ornaments to be shared with the residents of the Katherine Hanley Shelter in Fairfax County

As a community resource, Artisans United, Inc. operates The Craft Gallery of Artisans United which is located just inside the front door of the Fred M. Packard Center in the Annandale Community Park off Hummer Road. Here the artists’ creations are on display and may be purchase.READ MORE

Peggy creates her baby hats and blankets using exotic yarns made of bamboo, corn, milk, silks, soy, and sugar cane to offer low-allergen items for a new baby's sensitive skin. She also works with enticingly soft yarn blends in alpaca, angora, buffalo, cashmere, llama, and mink. READ MORE

Travel with confidence to the newly renovated Fairfield Inn & Suites Alexandria Landmark - a hotel with outstanding service for an easy and comfortable stay at an exceptional value.

The renovation and comprehensive make-over is now complete and the staff at the Fairfield Inn is ready to welcome you to their thoughtfully designed guest rooms and suites with plenty of room to work and relax. Guest rooms are stocked with a microwave, mini-fridge, and coffee/tea maker. Suites are available with living and sleeping areas especially convenient for families and visiting workers who need a temporary home away from home

Free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel will keep you connected during your stay and their fitness center will help you stay on track. Spread out in their vibrant lobby with spaces to gather, relax and work. You are invited to jump-start each day with their free guest breakfast served at IHOP conveniently located in the stunning new lobby and open 24 hours a day. Guests also enjoy free shuttle service to the Mark Center and Van Dorn Metro Station, so they will have no trouble exploring the many things to do in Washington and Northern VA.

Blue and Yellow Line Station ClosuresTo Impact Commutes and Travel Beginning Memorial Day

Beginning this Memorial Day, the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) will be closing six (6) Metrorail Blue and Yellow line stations south of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for full platform reconstruction and major station improvements. To expedite construction and minimize customer inconvenience, Braddock Road, King Street, Eisenhower Avenue, Huntington, Van Dorn Street, and Franconia-Springfield stations will be closed from Memorial Day, Saturday, May 25, 2019, through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2, 2019, to allow for around-the-clock work. The station closures are part of Metro's three-year Platform Improvement Project that will completely reconstruct the outdoor platforms at 20 Metrorail stations, making them safer and more accessible for customers with disabilities, while also addressing safety concerns and longstanding structural issues.

WMATA will be providing FREE shuttle bus service in the impacted areapartially replacing the trains along the Blue and Yellow Lines, and Fairfax Connector will be providing enhanced service on its express routes 393 (Saratoga Park and ride – Pentagon – Mark Center) and 394 (Saratoga Park and Ride to Pentagon) to assist patrons. This enhanced weekday rush-hour service will operate every 10 minutes from 5:13 a.m. to 10:08 a.m., and 3:35 p.m. to 7:59 p.m.Patrons can also take the Virginia Railway Express (VRE) Manassas and Fredericksburg Lines from Fairfax County to access Crystal City, L’Enfant Plaza and Union Station.

Be sure to check your local and regional connections in the City of Alexandria (DASH), Arlington County (ART), and Prince William County (Omni Ride). For those traveling to and from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, visit www.flyreagan.com for any travel impacts.

Commuters, Employers and Visitors - 3 Things to Do to Prepare and Avoid Gridlock

Fairfax County commuters and travelers are urged to plan now and know the various travel options available to them to avoid adding to the gridlock by driving alone. Commuters are urged to consider other alternatives such as ridesharing and telework, whenever possible, as the free shuttles and enhanced transit service will only partially replace the lost train capacity. READ MORE

PNC Financial Services

For more than 160 years, PNC has been committed to providing their clients with great service and powerful financial expertise to help them meet their financial goals. PNC is proud of their longstanding history of supporting not only their customers but also their communities, employees and shareholders.

PNC offers a wide range of services for all their customers, from individuals and small businesses, to corporations and government entities. No matter how simple or complicated your needs, they're sure to have the products, knowledge and resources necessary for financial success.

Retail BankingPNC provides deposit, lending, cash management and investment services to more than 6 million consumer and small business customers across 19 state and the District of Columbia. Customers can bank whenever and wherever they want via more than 2,600 branches, online and mobile services along with 9,000 ATM machines, many of which can be used to make deposits and cash checks. READ MORE

Trust Properties

Trust Properties was founded in 1994 and is committed to providing a broad range of Commercial Real Estate Services throughout the Greater Washington Metropolitan area. Sta

ffed by knowledgeable, experienced and dedicated career professionals, Trust Properties takes pride in delivering impeccable levels of service and exceptional results to their clients and customers.

Greg McGillicuddy is a Vice President and Principal Broker at Trust Properties. Greg grew up in Arlington and returned here after completing his studies at Harvard and Hopkins. Greg is one of the most knowledgeable brokers in local real estate, with more than 27 years of experience in the sales and leasing of office, retail and industrial properties and has managed more than two million square feet of properties in the Greater Metro area, including numerous properties here in Annandale. READ MORE

LAMBROS GOLDSMITH AND FINE JEWELRY

Sparkling, even inspiring are the jewelry designs exhibited in abundance at this charming retailer. Lambros and Jayne Magiafas, goldsmith and geologist, are a team made in Jewelers Heaven. Lambros began his goldsmith apprenticeship at the age of 12 in his native Greece while Jayne started her career in the US at the age of 16.

Lambros Goldsmiths is a family owned and operated, full service Fine Jewelry retailer. Founded in 1987, Lambros Goldsmiths has been serving the Fine Jewelry needs of people from around the country. Nestled in our friendly town of Annandale, Lambros Goldsmiths offers uniquely handcrafted Fine Jewelry at competitive prices. READ MORE

NOVA Central Farm Market, formerly Mosaic Central Farm Market, is a year-round farmers market located on Leesburg Pike, between Tysons Corner and the city of Falls Church, at Marshall High School in Falls Church, Virginia.

FreshFarm, a D.C.-based nonprofit has 16 markets in the region, including Ballston, Crystal City, and Rosslyn.

FreshFarm has a producers-only requirement, meaning all products sold are grown, raised, or produced by the business selling them. Its markets prioritize local sourcing and support local agriculture.Parking: There are 4 large parking garages with plenty of free parking located around the market. Look for the parking garage signs!

Located just minutes from Annandale and Metro accessible from the east and west Falls Church Metro stations, Falls Church City's Farmers Market boasts more than 50 vendors during peak season and more than 40 during the winter months. The market strives to support local farmers while also helping protect the environment by reducing packaging and transportation demands.

City Hall Parking Lot

All too often when history is being reported, let alone printed, facts are assumed when no explanation for an event or experience can be documented. What is the "most logical" is proposed to fill in the blank as is often done with gaps in family or community history. After a time in the public lore, the assumption becomes fact in the minds of many. Years ago a very affable new resident went in search of Annandale history and had his conclusions printed in a local circular. Whenever facts did not emerge, assumptions were inserted. Many ridiculous stories appeared and since they appeared in print, without any editorial fact checking, many readers took them to be gospel. Many erroneous stories have been told about the Annandale United Methodist Church during the Civil War. The stories are bold and far more exciting than the truth. None-the-less, they are fabricated stories.(SEE: www.annandalechamber.com/annandale_united_methodist_church.rhtml)

Another example is the origin of the street name, John Marr Drive in Annandale. The "assumption" proposed and now often believed to be fact is that it was named for a John Quincy Marr who Wikipedia tells us," was a Virginia militia company captain and the first Confederate soldier killed by a Union soldier in combat during the American Civil War. Marr was killed at the Battle of Fairfax Court House, Virginia on June 1, 1861.” Marr grew up in Warrenton and is not reported to have come any closer to Annandale than Fairfax Courthouse. Other sources claim that Henry Wyatt or William Fox, both with the same North Carolina Confederate Regiment, were the first to die.

Instead, it is possible that the road was named for a local resident whose company, Marr, Incorporated, was in the building, developing, and real estate business. Let’s be clear, this is proposed as the origin of the name, not yet a confirmed fact. READ MORE

The Premier Fitness Training in Annandale

Foundation Fitness is a private gym in Annandale where a wide variety of health and fitness related services are offered. These services include One-on-One Training, Group Training, Nutritional Counseling and Massage Therapy customized to each and every client's individual needs.

Foundation Fitness also offers fitness training for children and seniors tailored specifically to their needs.

One of the things that separates Foundation Fitness from other fitness studios is their in-house nutrition coaches. While many other studios only focus on strength training and cardio, they realize that in order to make significant changes, nutrition is the single most important thing to consider. Their nutrition programs have been the foundation of success for numerous busy moms, business executives, and fitness enthusiasts of all ages. They offer the following nutrition services that all come with a nutrition consultation and follow-up meeting to ensure you fully understand the plan:

Macro plans

Written meal plans

Shopping lists

Grocery trips

Prepared meals delivered to your house

At Foundation Fitness, they believe in offering different services that contribute to overall health. currently, Massage Therapy is offered at the Annandale location as an added benefit to their members.

“When consumers know a small business is a member of the chamber of commerce, they are 49% more likely to think favorably of that business, and 80% more likely to purchase goods or services from the company in the future.” For more information on benefits when joining the Annandale Chamber of Commerce please see......Membership Information.

The ENDEAVOR News Magazine is the Chamber's quarterly online publication and the must read magazine in Annandale. Acquaint yourself with local businesses, community history, revitalization efforts, and issues that concern Annandale: The Crossroads of Northern VirginiaTM.

The Annandale American Legion Post 1976 is recruiting new members. Veterans and family members welcome to join. Party hall rental is free for all members. Call 703-408-9123 and ask for Diane Ramsey.

Families with children who need shelter must contact Coordinated Services Planning at (703) 222-0880 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:30 pm to gain access. After business hours, families with children in need of shelter should go directly to the nearest family shelter._______________________________________